Tales of Zestiria is the latest installment in the long-running Tales series, and while it may not be the strongest entry, it still offers an enjoyable JRPG experience. The game follows the journey of Sorey, a young man who becomes the Shepherd, a legendary figure destined to save the world from a malevolent force known as the Lord of Calamity.
One of the standout features of Tales of Zestiria is its captivating story. The game delves into complex themes such as friendship, sacrifice, and the balance between humans and spirits. The characters are well-developed and their relationships evolve throughout the game, making you genuinely care about their fates. The narrative is further enhanced by beautiful cutscenes and a fantastic soundtrack.
The gameplay in Tales of Zestiria is a mixed bag. The combat system, known as the "Linear Motion Battle System," is fast-paced and satisfying, allowing for seamless transitions between regular attacks, special moves, and magic spells. However, the camera can be quite erratic during battles, often making it difficult to see what's happening on the screen. The exploration aspect of the game is also lacking, with uninspired dungeon designs and a lack of meaningful side quests.
Graphically, Tales of Zestiria is a visually stunning game. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the character designs are detailed and vibrant. The game also features impressive voice acting, with each character having their own distinct personality and voice.
Despite its flaws, Tales of Zestiria manages to be an enjoyable JRPG experience. The captivating story and well-developed characters make up for the shortcomings in gameplay and exploration. If you're a fan of the Tales series or enjoy immersive RPGs, Tales of Zestiria is worth a playthrough.
